HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

I have many things to be thankful for and as I reflect over the years my lists have changed so much. I have been blessed in my life with many wonderful things but its the things that have remained the same that I am most thankful for.

My husband - One of the most loyal men I have ever met in my life. Who unconditionally puts his family before himself. He is truly my best friend the one I laugh with, live for, dream with, and love with all my heart. It all starts and end because we fell in love.

My kids - Our children should not be put here with a job for us, we are here to take care of them, BUT they unconsciously saved me from myself. I never truly learned what loving someone more than yourself meant until they came along and they are the absolute JOY in my life. Everyday with them is so special. They make me laugh, they make me cry, they make me be a better person, and make me see life through their eyes all over again.

My family & Friends - Because I have always had a close supportive family I just sometimes take them for granted thinking that is what family is... that is what it does. But I have met so many that do not function like that. They can't rely on their family, they don't necessarily get along with their families and seeing these dynamics has helped me to see mine is not the norm... I do have something special. Words cannot express my gratitude towards them. To think at one time in my life some of them probably couldn't stand to be in the same room as me I was such a brat and now they are such a huge part of our lives. I wouldn't have it any other way. I am blessed to have my children grow up surrounded by love on both sides! And my friends I don't have many that I call true friends so to those I do I appreciate the fact that I have long lasting REAL friendships... everlasting friends can go long periods of time without speaking and never question their friendship. These types of friends pick up like they spoke to you just yesterday, regardless of how long it has been or how far away they live. And, they don't hold grudges. They understand that life is busy, but you will always love them.

I am thankful for my energy! Although I have learned to control it I consider it a blessing. It has propelled me into great things and hope it carries me through many more. It helped me wake up for 45 minutes of AM cardio, wash, dry, and fold three loads of laundry, cook stuffed mushrooms, shower and get my family ready all before 11:00 this morning!

I am thankful for the ability to be able to be back in college. Its one of those things I put off for so long. Whether it was lack of time, money, ambition, or confidence, there was always a reason to wait. Learning again feels great. Cannot say I wasn't intimidated to go back at first but I have been doing better than I ever thought I would after being out of school for so long and I am actually enjoying it.

I am thankful that through ALL these years, ups and downs, bad economies, ALWAYS being able to be home to raise my kids. This is something that has always been very important to me. Every family dynamic is different. I am in awe and have so much respect for full time working moms, but our dynamic works for us. I have always enjoyed being home at least part time with my children and am very thankful that I have been able to be, this is time with them I will never ever be able to get back and as they get older and older I appreciate it more as I see how quickly it goes.

I am thankful for my health... as I see so many unforeseen occurrences that may take someone's health away or sickness struck upon too many too young I FULLY appreciate my health and the health of my family.

I am thankful for my life. Plain and simple... I have been blessed! Lets look at my life “statistically” I should indeed be screwed. I’m not saying I’m perfect or have made the best choices but I have been very blessed and have so much to be thankful for.

It’s not something I talk about often or am proud of by any means, or am advocating but every once and a while when I stop to reflect I am very proud of where I stand today. Those who know me closely know my age its not something I ever willing bring up because I do believe its only a number and as someone with an old soul and who has always been 12 going on 30 its something I do not like to be judged by. But if you know my age and do the math its easy to figure out I had my daughter very young. She is one of my blessings in disguise I am so thankful for. "Statistically" Sixty percent of teenagers who become pregnant are living in poverty at the time of the birth. More than 40 percent of teenage mothers report living in poverty by age 27. Well all I can say is thank the lord I have never been below the poverty line and 10 years later never plan to be.

Lets look at statistics on marriage, we know those are not great. Almost half end in divorce. Not saying mine's guaranteed or perfect but almost 11 years strong and I am still genuinely HAPPY!!

Lets look at statistics on twins. Twins are estimated to be approximately 1.9% of the population, with male male identical being the LEAST common of all sets of twins!! Guess what we got them! Twins having twin to twin transfusion (which is the disease that made my boys sick) occurs in approximately 5.5–17.5% out of all twins we unfortunately were in this group. Now out of that small group fatality rate was extremely high and without proper treatment, most of these babies would not survive and of the survivors, most would have handicaps or birth defects. If you're still falling the odds of where we stand you will agree, we have truly been BEYOND BLESSED with AMAZINGLY HEALTHY BEAUTIFUL BABY BOYS!!! I think its totally appropriate when I call them freaks ;)

I joke and kid because I try to laugh every day, I try to have a light heart and just LIVE. IF it's true that you can lose what you are not thankful for I need to express how thankful I am for my LIFE and those in it!

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into
enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order,
confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a
home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past,
brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow."

And on that note before I get toooooo soppy and lovey dovey lol I Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving... as far as your fitness goals... Hope everyone enjoyed their meals guilt free. However there's no need to make it a sloppy weekend. Up your activity level, drink a lot of water, get rid of the bloat and get back on track immediately. None of this wait till Monday stuff - THAT IS precisely how you can gain over the holidays. Take everyday at a time. Once today is gone remember your goals! Write them down, put them up on the wall, set a reward do whatever you have to do to stay focused. I am on TRACK and it feels good to not think or obsess about whether or not I am "going to be good this weekend". I am not on a "diet" I am just moving and groovin living a healthy lifestyle and its sooooo much easier that way!!

First Santa Parade?? Is that right?

Went to my very first Santa Parade Today! Yes... like EVER lol I know sounds so strange but its true. Maybe its not that strange to some, but where I grew up the Santa parade is as tradition as going out to drink the night before Thanksgiving. It's just something you do. Well it is of course unless you are a Jehovah's Witness. Something many may not know about me I grew up raised as a Jehovah Witness, practiced until I was about 14. So I grew up not celebrating holidays. Not a one. No Christmas, birthdays, Easter, valentine's, anything. Surprisingly although I don't practice anymore and don't raise my children in the faith I never really felt like I was missing anything. I don't want to make this about religion really, but because it was such a large part of my life it did have a lot to do with my shaping as a child and adolescent years. Has a lot to do with why I am so overtly stubborn about organized religion, but also has a lot to do with my core vales, beliefs, and need to be family oriented. I like to believe I kept all the good I learned and moved on from anything I deemed negative. Again I don't want to go too far off track because I could talk religion for days, but that's not the point.

My point was I grew up not celebrating holidays. I didn't start celebrating them until I got married and had children, so they have become extra special times of the year for me. Times I have started our own family traditions from scratch. Special times we have shared with family, and events that I have never done before. Special pictures and memories that mean more to me because I am creating such a different childhood for my children. I think I need to emphasize here that I had a great childhood with many special moments, this is just a different experience for me.

So take today for instance I went to my FIRST Santa Parade today! Not only did I go to my first Santa parade but my husbands uncle who is a Lieutenant on the fire department asked us to join him with our boys and ride on the truck with him through the parade! There we were... buckled in the truck, windows down,sirens on, horn beeping, smiling and waving away. It was a great day! My boys were in awe of the truck and how everyone was waving. And I felt like a little kid experiencing something for the first time! Going up and down the streets of where I grew up, seeing people from middle school, seeing my old dance school. It was just one of those moments that made me feel warm inside (despite the fact that it was 38 degrees out). And also one of those moments that made me feel old (but in a great way). As I've grown up I appreciate the littlest things in life... its not that I have become simple minded as I still have more goals, dreams, and ideas than one human being should have lol But the littlest pleasures in life with my family can absolutely make me feel complete <3

So in true wrap it up Sunday, back to the Grind Monday motion a quick recap of my week in the training and nutrition department. FINALLY BACK AT AM CARDIO!!!! I've been wanting to for a while but not having a show to "make my mind switch on completely" I couldn't fully motivate myself to get up early consistently. Well now I have switched. It is for me a great way to start my day. I'm completely not a morning person. I am grumpy when I wake up and never ever enjoy it. But for some reason to roll out of bed wash my face, brush my teeth and go do cardio I CAN BE A BEAST... I start to feel better while I'm there. I start to reflect, plan, and set my mindset for the day and I start my energy off right. It still may take my body a bit to get use to it because when I say I hate mornings I really hate mornings. But after a bout a week I start thinking why don't I do morning cardio all the time?!?! I am there, week down and I'm loving it again! Only doing 3-4 days a week for now so its even less pressure and its fitting well. Weights have been great as well, been really mixing it up which has been great for my body. And last but not least nutrition... ehhhh hardest for me is when the busy gets busier the food gets LESS not more. Its less food but its wrong food... I need more food and right food. I know same story different day. Mistake number one putting off getting my protein shakes... CANNOT live without them when I'm super busy. So now that I have them that should help right off the bat! Well I promised myself I'd keep these posts shorter and I once again have rambled and still have so much more I want to say but MUST GO TO BED :( I want to update about school! About clients! About goals! But hopefully leaving it like this will force me to come back more often. Till then Hope everyone has a wonderful productive week. And a blessed and beautiful Thanksgiving. However you may spending it remember to appreciate the little thing!

Have you ever thrown a fist full of glitter in the air?

Different things motivate us at different times for different reasons. Sometimes its a picture, maybe a quote, a person. For me often a song. At one point in time the beginning of the PS3 madden game use to be one of the most motivating clips for me... seriously (no I am not a high college kid just rambling haha... maybe I'll share the clip sometime and if you're in the aggressive mindset you will see what I mean.) I relate "the gym" or my time spent alone there with so many things other than just my body. At the risk of sounding cliche` I relate it to my mind, to my soul, to serenity, to peace. I relate it to my confidence, to determination, to energy, to health (both mental and physical), to goals... it encompasses so many aspects of my life. Therefore when I look for motivation or inspiration it too can motivate, inspire or just simply touch other aspects of my life.

I am drawn to anyone or anything outside of the box. I am drawn to talent, purity, simplicity, and complexity at the same time. Certain people just radiate this feeling and this performance and song does for me. Doesn't hurt that her confidence and bod to rock this outfit and sing while hanging upside down spinning and dipped in water, to me makes her a bad ass!!

This was some great cardio music tonight!

Good habits are hard to keep and bad habits are hard to break! They say it takes about 6 weeks to make and keep a good habit, but why does it feel like it only takes about 3 days to break it and lose it? The good ole gallon jug of water. Sometimes colored (makes for interesting conversation), sometimes with lemons floating in it, but always by your side like a loyal puppy when you are into fitness. Why is water so important? Is it a myth? What does it really do? I have found (especially with the over 40 generation) if you're not use to drinking lots of water it can seem like a nuisance. You may wonder why would I carry around water, so I have to pee more? Sounds like a pain in the butt. Seems easier to just drink when you're thirsty.

But the benefits far outweigh the inconvenience. Some people love fresh cold water. They find it refreshing and its not a project at all to get it down. For me it always has been work. Diet Pepsi I can drink all day long but water I have to remind myself to stay on top of. When I make it HABIT it was done easily but when I fall out of forcing myself my water consumption quickly dwindles and I can see and feel the difference. As I'm back to making it a habit, I'm cheating a little with some flavored water right now, but I say whatever you have to do to get it down drink it! Here is a little info sheet I always add into my new clients packets on the importance of water and how much. It could use some updating even, but for the purpose of instilling YOU HAVE TO DRINK WATER especially when trying to lose fat, for now it'll do the trick.

Water
Why Is IT SO Important?
Water is the single most important nutrient that our body needs to run at its optimal level. Our body's content consists of mostly water. Water is so important for many reasons. It is responsible for millions of internal chemical reactions and bodily functions. Did you know that human beings could live around 5 weeks without protein, carbohydrates, and fats, but only 5 days without water (in a moderate climate)? Water also aids in cleansing our body of toxins and pollutants, it fights against fatigue, helps lubricate joints, and not to mention it's great for our skin. One of the things we take most for granted, water plays a very important role in permanent weight loss. It aids in suppressing the appetite naturally and in metabolizing stored fat.

Studies show that a decrease in water intake may cause fat deposits to increase, while an increase in water can actually reduce the fat deposits in the body. The kidneys do not function properly without enough water and when this occurs, some of their function is passed on to the liver. The liver works to metabolize stored fat into usable energy for the body, so if the liver has to help the kidneys, it cannot function effectively and consequently metabolizes less fat. Thus, fat remains stored in the body and weight loss will stop. People who are prone to water retention often think that reducing their water intake will help to remedy this problem. Actually, the opposite occurs. The body perceives a lack of water as a threat to its survival so it attempts to hold on to every drop. Water is then stored in spaces outside the body's cells, causing swollen feet, hands, and legs. The best way to overcome excess water retention is to give the body what it needs - plenty of water.

**It is especially important to drink water before, during, and after exercise. If our bodies are not fully hydrated we may experience fatigue, headaches, and muscle cramps. Because we can lose up to 2 quarts of water per hour during exercise, it is vital to continually replenish our bodies with water.

How Much Water is Enough?

First start by not thinking of water as something you drink only when you’re thirsty, think of it as something your body needs 24 –7! Your main beverage should be water, bring a water bottle with you everywhere. It is recommended we get at least 64 ounces a day (8 glasses) but if you drink more that’s excellent! An easy rule of thumb is to divide your weight in half to determine how many ounces of water you need to drink daily. Caffeine works as a diuretic, so for every beverage with caffeine you consume you must drink an extra glass of water. DRINK UP!!

I feel like a tiny bird with a big song

If there are two things that I am it is always busy and always joyful! Okay so no one is ALWAYS anything... I will rephrase if there are two things I am mostly it is mostly busy and mostly joyful. I am a tiny bird with a big song. I am the little bird far away on the branch that you think cannot possibly be making that loud beautiful noise... Why is it so joyful? Where does that big sound come from in that little bird? That is me :)

I cannot believe I have abandoned blogging completely since June... yes JUNE was my last one! Not even going to try and regroup just hop skip and a jump and back on because it involves so much painting, decorating, starting school, kids starting school, summer vacation, all great things but easily were blogs in themselves I didn't have time to do. But why did I feel a pull to come back to blogging? Same reason as always. My own personal time to reflect, dwell, ponder, and wellll just vent and write. With school work now I am actually up to my eyeballs in work and writing so I thought no way I'd want to write more! But its different when you can't type as fast as your brain is thinking because its about your life. Being assigned a topic doesn't give you the same rush haha thats why its called school WORK.

Anywhoo where I am at: I am back to juggling a new schedule and trying to find my balance and happy place. I am in school. I am working part time and taking a few clients, my boys are in pre school and my daughter is in middle school with many activities after school including a competitive dance team. My husband and father are my back up glue that hold this whole schedule together. At first I had abandoned being really good with preparing and bring all my food for the first few weeks I was slightly overwhelmed but I quickly realized that grabbing stuff on the go unorganized is not only so bad for you my energy levels are crap when I don't eat balanced and well, but it adds up QUICKLY. What a waste of money. I quickly have gotten back into preparing my food, but I did drop a regimented cardio schedule... something had to give with the onset of new hours and that was it. This week though I have regimented slightly more now that I'm adapting better and that is where my new little boost came in.

Gonna take my own pressure off and keep my blogs short and sweet... if I don't get too wrapped up I may be more inclined to post more often and no pressure to fill in SOOOOO MUCH at once.
So the plan... back tomorrow for a journaling type of my day workout cardio food and activities :)

HAPPY FALL ALL!!!

HAPPY JUNE!

So we are in the new house, I am four weeks into my little challenge, and my daughter is rounding the end of her school year and the beginning of summer. Lot of new stuff going on as well. I am OFFICIALLY back do doing some part time personal training on the side. This has always, and will always be a passion of mine. I had done it for years and taken a slight break because with the scheduling, personal goals, and new twins it just didn't fit. Now it makes perfect sense again. My schedule is a little more flexible and a very close friend of mine who was the head trainer at Powerhouse who hired me there, then went onto open her own studio and recruited me there, has since closed her studio and is relocating. She has some of her clients who need someone to replace her and it just fits. If it were different timing (like my kids were older) I would have entertained more the idea of taking over the studio for her, but for now this option fits into my life. For those of you who know nothing about my training background here's a little of what I've done and what I prefer...

I have experience in one on one personal training, as well as group circuit training. I also have experience teaching group ex (more resistance type classes - like body pump than "cardio classes"), bootcamp style classes, and am looking to add SPIN certification to my list. I have taught in a gyms/wellness center, as well as some in home settings on my own. I have a naturally outgoing and enthusiastic personality and enjoy motivating and sharing my knowledge. On top of training knowledge, I also am experienced and comfortable with nutrition plans, calorie counts, and macro nutrient break downs. I am comfortable working with all different levels and needs... whether its a wife/mother, male/athlete, older client with limitations, or younger client with sports specific needs. I have covered everything from weight loss, to heart health being the focus, to lean muscle building. I also have worked at a gymnastics academy for three years both teaching and managing the facility, so am comfortable with childrens fitness and conditioning as well. I also was hired one year to teach "gym class" at my daughters pre school. As you can see for a period in time every where I went and everything I did revolved around fitness, it never ever felt like a "job" to me. And I'm excited to be getting back to that even if its not full time since I do have a small litter of children now lol

So that's that. Anyone interested in anything please message me for details, availability, rates, or just to chat goals. Over the next week I will start posting piece by piece my info on things I have written over the years that I go over with each and every new client. Its all saved on my main computer which being in the new house is not hooked up yet until my office is set so bare with me. People always say that should be top secret. That's how you make your money, not sharing too much. But I disagree, I truly want clients to LEARN. Eat, sleep, and breathe a healthy lifestyle or at the very least "healthier". I'm not here to hide anything from you. I am simply a motivator, making you accountable, and pushing and instructing you... I am no "GURU" or saint FITNESS. You have to learn and make it your own for it to truly work. So that's why I share so much... on my blog, in emails, on the phone etc. all for FREE, because that is not what you pay for... yes you pay for the knowledge, the tools, but most importantly you pay for the accountability, support, and direction. You can go out and buy a South Beach Diet book read it cover to cover, but what's it do for you if you don't do it? Same with exercise dvd or even gym memberships... if they collect dust on the shelf, what's it do for you?

As a trainer you will either love me or hate me, there's no in between. I don't need to yell, scream or belittle. But I do have to open your eyes to the truth, to the myths, and the excuses. I do have to hold you accountable and make you face yourself. It's more mental than physical, I say so often. So anyways, as you can see I could go on and on and on about this. I'm very passionate about it and I feel that it is what makes me different... I genuinely ENJOY seeing people do what they WANT TO, and if I can help, I'm tickled pink. See doesn't even sound like a "job"? But I also am not in it to be a billionaire and really only want clients who are READY to receive help. Who are ready to face themselves. Who are ready to change. It could be a little change, it could be a big change, but I feel success comes from word of mouth. I want to be happy with you and you happy with me, so we'll always make sure we're on the same page before starting a program.

I am looking for "walking billboards" to build clientele... so anyone serious and interested PLEASE email ASAP! What is a walking billboard? Well time to build my portfolio again and get the name back out in the community. So doing a very discounted 8 week program for a transformation type client program... before and afters, measurements, the whole nine, and discounted so you can achieve your goals inexpensively and spread the word... word of mouth is EVERYTHING, its how I've always gotten clients.

So back to me.... first house... well we're here, it's not organized or completely situated but it's getting there. We've started outside cleaning up the yard, powerwashing and staining the deck (well I bought the stain a week ago but the weathers not cooperating), hubby's rebuilding the front porch, and most importantly we've set up the GRILL!! Healthy grilled food outside all summer it doesn't get any better! And the BONUS... I DON"T HAVE TO COOK!!!

The challenge... moving week was BADDDDD okay not bad enough to warrant 5 Ds, but not good. I actually did really good at first, but truthfully Memorial day weekend I unraveled a little, I had some little extras that I truly KNEW better than doing. And of course I played with the scale genies head and my own... I closed my eyes crossed my fingers and I didn't gain... I thought WOOO I'm in the clear... yeah nothing works like that lol I should know better. So I got right back on track, BUSTED but with nutrition, and exercise... and surprise, surprise, damn scale wouldn't budge!! Scale Genies - ONE... ME - ZERO ... I shall not taunt them again lol. Now I knew going in that this 8 weeks was not going to be miraculous, but I also don't want it to be for nothing, so focus is BACK.

I had "scheduled cheat meals" but they're messing me up! When I contest diet I've only taken cheats far into the diet when told to and at that point your heads so in it, it's actually hard to cheat (mentally) so you cheat your one meal and then get back on. When I've done my own prep I've never even taken them, never felt like I needed them or wanted them. Doing this challenge my heads not 100% "contest mode" and my cheats have wavered badly. That needs to and has been rectified, there's no need to ruin a whole week! With that said I did lose another two pounds totaling 5 pounds since I started. Now that does not sound like much at all, it's really not... BUT with moving I'm using this as an outlet to not slip up too badly and losing is better than not. Also since Jan 1st I've already lost 19 lbs BEFORE starting this challenge lol yes I was indeed sloppy fluffy lol so it's not like I'm on the first 10 pounds that come off easy I'm actually close to the last 10 before I would switch to contest prep mode, so its not easily falling off here, and I'm doing it properly to try to ensure its fat and not muscle... when theses few pounds drop they do stick, versus that weight bounce as well. I also am down I think another inch and half total off my hips and waist but don't quote me on that because I can't find my original book with my measurements. I'll find it before the challenge is over its in one of my "miscellaneous boxes" lol

On lifting notes... I am feeling stronger again and that's great considering I don't have a lifting partner for spots and I am doing a considerable amount of cardio (for me) and my energy has not been the greatest, so considering, all in all I have been happy with workouts.

So now with four weeks down and four to go I am getting serious about the water situation, I am one who usually doesn't care about water weight until the very end. I just don't see the point of trying to fight to keep it off the entire time you're dieting unless you just want to for vanity's sake, well now, yes, I have hit vanity's sake - it is summer time!... so I will start my day with lemons in my water and end it with asparagus (natural diuretic).

Other changes I will make... I have been completely supplement and stimulant free.. these last four weeks I am adding a little fat burner, and fish oil pills... opting with ALR Venom because I know I tolerate it well and it's only one pill, twice a day... it doesn't give me the shakes or make me crash and for me that's more vital than almost anything else. I also am adding an hour of cardio total to the week making it 6 hours total AND at least 3 sessions MUST be AM cardio on an empty stomach. I will update after a week of these changes and go from there. I see in my future the next week I may start cycling in some lower carb days as right now I am still pretty moderate and consistent with my carbs.

So few little tips I have found and will share... Kellogs makes a protein fiber water... little flavor packets you mix with your water (I like pink lemonade) 5 g of protein and 5 g of fiber! Also if I'm in a pinch or just feel like a little "treat" I will treat with Boston Market for lunch 1/4 white chicken (no skin), red skin garlic dill potatoes, and green beans - 440 calories, 11g fat, 31g carbs, 55 g protein, 6 g fiber! Again, it's a treat. It's take out, so it's high sodium (water weight) and higher unhealthier fat than home cooked, but not a bad option. Its good to know your options and make an educated choice verses something on a whim that you may think is on the "healthy side". Protein drinks I swear by: Isopure lemon teas... anyone who knows how I am, I do not enjoy spending money frivolously, especially on unnecessary supplement, but the protein drinks are staples for me. They're easy, to me they taste good (I am very picky) and where else can I drink 20 g of protein by just popping a top for $1.66 a serving? Put on ice I feel like its a nice tea treat... honestly. Paired with a handful of almonds its a perfect between meal snack or "mini meal".

Next blog cause I have rambled far too long now... Some Meal samples and maybe a workout sample... Hope everyone has a great weekend!!

Last update from this House :)

Why on earth did I choose to do a transformation challenge amongst this madness?? Because it is my piece of me that reminds me my madness is beauty. It is my perfect. And part of my perfect is taking control of my body, mind, and spirit. So it keeps me focused. Will I get the best results right now with all my craziness? Honestly probably not. But I will work it!!!

So this past Tuesday was officially two weeks AND I tracked my progress. Down three pounds and an inch off my hips and a inch off my waist. I should be happier, but because I did have some slip ups and mess ups and have not officially starting tracking calories macros/meals yet I feel like I'm floundering slightly. I will say honestly most of that progress came from week one. As week two I had my monthly friend, and had some diet ooppppssss AND missed about 45 minutes worth of cardio that week due to extreme time restraints with work and my princess' encompassing dance recital week.

I also did have a scheduled cheat meal on Saturday night but that "meal" turned into a little more than one meal if I'm being honest. It was more like a 6 hr cheat :/ NOT an entire stuff fest but def more chocolate than I had planned... damn you mini twix bars! So it started with after the recital I brought my protein shake and a piece of fruit and had that. Totally did not fill me up at all, and then I went food shopping for dinner Saturday night (never go food shopping hungry and never go on the 2nd day of your little friend - that's where the mini twix bar episode came from... oh AND some little coffee rolls filled with caramel!) Seriously, I didn't even wait to get home to eat them, I ate them in the car!! I felt like I needed over eaters anonymous at that point lol it was like a little voice said EAT IT, EAT IT!! My daughter was looking at me like I was an alien because I have not been like that with junk in quite some time, but we all have our moments.

My baby girl requested her favorite meal to celebrate her dance recital so I was making stuffed shells (I stuff mine with Italian sausage in the mix, so yummy) Garlic bread and salad. Followed by a vanilla and chocolate checker board cake with chocolate ganache dripping down it and M & M chocolate chip cookies. Oh and we roasted some marshmallows by the fire and had some Coconut M& Ms, which I don't like by the way lol thank goodness. So yeah it was a lot of junk, more than I "planned". BUT I had a great day with the family and got right back on track the next day with Nutrition and legs and cardio that Sunday! It was a scheduled cheat, but I would have liked to contain it a little more to like a 3 hour period. I did end up holding myself off on the wine, which was hard. I really wanted a glass by the fire. But my goal is to avoid the alcohol all together for the 8 weeks. A cheat meal is one thing, but alcoholic beverages are another. And I may do a whole blog later on the affects of alcohol while dieting... far worse than anything you can eat, and it has very little to do with the actual calories.

So onto this week... I usually reset my brain in two week phases. Regroup, refocus, download some new songs, write out some new workouts, change the diet, change the cardio, and set a goal for the next two weeks. But this week is going to have to be a slight floater week. I have not missed the gym or had any slip ups with food, BUT this is official moving week at our house. I can't say I've been focused on anything but that. It has been nothing but packing, cleaning, taking loads over to the new house every night. Canceling utilities, sending final bills, changing our addresses. It's before work, it's after work, at work. Anyone who has moved knows how consuming it is . And then anyone who has done it with three kids WELLLL you know! lol OH yeah and to boot it has been up to 100 degrees here almost all week (GREAT moving weather!)

Wednesday night I came home from the gym and my husband had taken apart all the beds and put the mattresses on the floor and it was like a giant ROMPA ROOM for the kids! I walked in and they were literally SPRINTING BACK AND FORTH through the house yelling "RUN FOR YOUR LIVES YOU GIANT PANSIES!" (lol Madagascar) My little guy Broderick told me our house was messy and asked me to clean it up lol even he can't take it and he's not even 4!! BUT soon we will be settled and in our new house :) its just part of the process.

I did get a kick out of cleaning out my kitchen cabinets though... I had typical mommy baking stuff in one cabinet, then about 30 supplement bottles in the other lol I have TWO ICIE CONE Machines AND a tub of dream tan in my kitchen (talk about a fitmomma lol)

So I am still on this journey! As of Saturday we will spend our first night in the new house. As of Sunday come hell or high water I will REFOCUS, REGROUP, and establish a more solid plan and goals. It's not like I haven't progressed. 3 lbs and two inches in two weeks I will take, but I want TO FEEL like I am challenging myself a little more. I did put on my "little shorts". You know those shorts we have from our "tiny summers" lol. These shorts I haven't wore since summer of 08 right after I was getting ready for Jr. Nats, I haven't even attempted to get my big butt in them cause I just wasn't feeling it, and would have been lucky to get them over my knees LOL

I did get them on... well let me clarify "get them on"... I wiggled them up, sucked in... zipped, and then held my breath and waited for a button to pop lol. Ern said hey they're on, they don't look that bad. But I was spilling out of them every which way lol they DID look bad! haha not my style fit. So I know no matter what my scale says, those shorts don't lie... they will be an added guide to my progress. When I can pull them up, breath in them, and have no fear of them cutting into me anywhere, I will have reached a nice summer goal physique! This week moving is my challenge though, and I am very excited for it to be OVER! I may even start up some AM cardio NEXT week!!

I hope everyone has a wonderful LONG WEEKEND!! Enjoy the weather, time outside, healthy food on the grill, time with family and friends, and some nice workouts squeezed in there!